Reed Shepard spoils Zachary Rizacher’s big match

Selected in 1st and 3rd places in the 2024 Draft, Zachary Risacher etc Reed Sheppard took part in a superb duel last night for the last pre-season outing of the Hawks and Rockets. While it is Hawks were complete, it is truly a B team Rockets which are imposed 133-115.

Deprived of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Steven Adams and Clint Capela, the Rockets decided to entrust the keys to the truck to their interim leader Reid Shepard, and the sophomore did not disappoint.

Josh Okogie is the show

The No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft had a complete performance: 29 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks, all in just 29 minutes. Aggressive and active, the former Kentucky guard dictated the pace for his team as he poisoned Trae Young, who was limited to 12 points and 10 assists.

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In a decimated team, Josh Okogie also used the opportunity to shine. The former Suns player scored 28 points on 8/15 shooting while providing his usual defense (2 steals, 3 blocks). Often limited to the role of “hitchhiker”, Okogie has proven that he can also provide points when the team needs them.

The undefeated Rockets

In front of their home crowd, and unlike the Rockets, the Hawks decided to play this matchup with a full lineup, including Tree Young, Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher. The Frenchman led the way with 24 points and 7 rebounds, aggressive in attacks and accurate from mid-range. Rizaher proved himself once from the start of the match and did not weaken.

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Porzingis also shone with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Nikhil Alexander-Walker (17 points) confirms that he will be the 6th man who follows him very closely this season.

Leading at the break by a small point (61-60), Atlanta exploded after returning from the locker room against the Houston defense, the author of 16 turnovers and 20 turnovers. Trailing at the end of the third quarter (95-87), the Hawks finally broke when Quin Snyder opened up his bench wide, and the Rockets used it to win their 4th game in four games this preseason.

The next outing is Tuesday night at OKC for the regular season opener.